And it seems Manchester United man Keane is the latest to be linked with a move to the Cardiff City Stadium.

Here, we give you a detailed guide to the 21-year-old.

Background

Born in England but with Irish roots, Keane represented the Republic of Ireland at Under 17 level before committing to the Three Lions.

The young centre half has been a Manchester United player since the tender age of 11 and signed professional forms with the club on his 18th birthday in 2011.

Interestingly, Keane has a twin brother, Will, who is also on the books at Old Trafford as a striker.

Life at Old Trafford

Keane made his senior debut for the Red Devils in a League Cup victory over Aldershot in 2011. Since then, Keane has been involved here and there in the senior squad – he was an unused substitute in United's 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Liverpool in 2012.

But it's been in the reserves where Keane has made a name for himself. He was named Reserve Team Player of the Season for the 2011/12 season after making 27 appearances and scoring five goals. During that time he worked closely with Solskjaer, meaning the former United striker knows the defender well.

Loan spells

After coming through the ranks at Old Trafford, Keane has been given a chance to impress at Championship level with loan spells at Leicester City, Derby County and Blackburn Rovers. He made 22 appearances for the Foxes and 13 for Rovers last season before returning to Manchester United.

His experiences of the last few seasons mean that despite his young age, Keane does have experience of the Championship, something which is undoubtedly a positive for Solskjaer.

Keane said: "When you first go into the Championship, in your first couple of games you are a bit taken back by how physical it is, especially as a centre half.

"I remember I made my Leicester debut against Kevin Davies and didn’t win a header against him.

"But after a couple of games you get used to it and you improve after every game."

After committing to England, Keane has also enjoyed relative success at international level. He made his England Under 19 debut against Slovenia in 2012, his brother Will scoring twice in a 5-0 win.

Since then, he's progressed to Gareth Southgate's Under 21 side, scoring against Finland.

Strengths?

Keane's experience in the Championship from the last few seasons would mean he wouldn't be thrown in at the deep end should he join the Bluebirds.

Added to that, the young defender is a calm presence on the ball and a cultured footballer.

Keane admits he looks up to former United defender Rio Ferdinand and the two are similar types of players.

Asked for his views on Keane, Ferdinand, who has now joined QPR, said: “He will be a top player one day. He's cultured, eager to learn and be coached.”

Weaknesses?

Rated highly at Old Trafford, Keane has all the ability to make it at the highest level. If there would be one worry for Solskjaer it would be that Keane has had a number of loan moves recently. Would he be keen on another this season or would he prefer to fight for a chance to impress in the Premier League?

Keane is currently in the USA hoping to impress new Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal (Image: PA Wire)

Could he stay with Manchester United?

New United boss Louis van Gaal is clearly keen to add defensive options to his squad after seeing defensive linchpins Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic leave the club.

Van Gaal has been linked with Thomas Vermaelen and Dutchman Daley Blind but Keane could well be an alternative option. He is currently with the side in the USA on United's pre-season season tour and with only Jonny Evans, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling as centre back options in America, Keane could well get an early chance to impress.

"I’ve heard the new manager likes to bring young players through and that’s always been the way at United," said Keane.

"Obviously with Giggsy staying on as his assistant that can only benefit the young players and hopefully we can get a good pre-season and a chance to prove ourselves."